Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday that Russia proposed that the United States lift sanctions on its flag carrier Aeroflot at the meeting in Saudi Arabia in late February. He added he has not had the chance to contact the US to inquire about any developments but stressed that the lifting of sanctions on Aeroflot should be the prerequisite for reestablishing direct flights between Russia and the US.
Lavrov said contacts with Washington show a "fundamental understanding of the need for dialogue while each side maintains its commitment to its national interests." He cautioned against high expectations but said that it is "realistic and necessary" to aim for a normalization of relations.
